Stranded passengers: Rehman Malik escapes protest at Skardu airport

Interior minister had promised that he would not leave Skardu until the issue is settled. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

Dodging protesters stranded in the city for over 10 days, Interior Minister Rehman Malik managed to board a flight to Islamabad, after a commotion started at the Skardu airport, Express Newsreported Tuesday.

According to Express News correspondent Muhammad Afzal, Malik had arrived at the airport to resolve the issue of C-130 flights, which were meant to carry foreigners and students who had come to spend vacations and have been stranded in Gilgit due to the closure of roads and flights to the region.

The interior minister had promised that he would not leave Skardu until the issue is settled.

However, when more C-130 flights could not be scheduled, foreigners and students became aggressive. The police resorted to baton-charge in order to disperse the mob, however, the protestors were able to damage airport property, including window glasses and doors.